Zoo

Japanese Name

どうぶつえん

doubutsuen

Description

A zoo (dōbutsuen in Japanese) is a facility where animals are kept in enclosures or habitats for public display, education, conservation, and research purposes. Zoos provide a place where people can observe animals from around the world, learn about biodiversity, and understand the importance of wildlife conservation.

Zoos are facilities where animals are kept for public viewing, education, and conservation.
The earliest known collections of animals date back to ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and China, often as private menageries for royalty.
In Europe, formal zoos emerged in the 18th century, such as the Tiergarten Schönbrunn in Vienna (1752).
The modern concept of zoos expanded in the 19th century, focusing on public education, research, and recreation.
In Japan, Ueno Zoo in Tokyo opened in 1882, becoming the country’s first modern zoo and a center for learning about wildlife.
Today, zoos worldwide balance entertainment with conservation, species preservation, and environmental education.